Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 21, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 186 (July 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul J. Holden (ASN: 38372514), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the campaign for Baguio on 21 April 1945, the advance of two infantry platoons against an enemy-held hill was halted by three hostile machine guns, two of which were emplaced on a ridge to the right while the other was at the top of the hill. Privates Walter Hunter and Paul Holden voluntarily crept around to the reverse side of the slope to attack the single gun. As they crawled up the hill they were fully exposed to enemy fire from the other guns. However, they gained the top and killed that gun’s crew members. Then they manned the intact Japanese machine gun and directed its fire against the other two hostile position. So accurate and consistent was their fire, that the remaining enemy positions were neutralized, and their company’s mission was successfully accomplished. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.